The Portland daily press., 1887-11-21
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.
The Third Of Or. Dalton's Saturday
Lectures.

The lecturer first discussed briefly the laws
which govern epic and dramatic poetry re-
spectively, showing the superiority of the
latter where the purpose is to delineate char
acter. 1t furnishes greater resources in this
respect and more striking situations. AS to
Shakespeare he excels all others in evolving
and constructing character from its origi-
nal elements. Here is principle of unity
which guides and determines the develop
ment of each trait, and all the traits are
combined into harmonious whole. Inferi-
or poets usually make the hero the centre of
all the interest around whom the lesser fig
ures revoIve as so many puppets. Shakes
peare gives them an individuality as well de-
mastery manner shows how they all con-
tribute their full snare to the final catastro-
phe.
The principal characters in the Merchant
of Venice are the merchant Antonio, his
friend Bassanio, Gratiaro, Lorenzo, Shylock
the Jew, his daughter Jessica, Portia, and
her maid Nerissa. Antonio is frank, large
hearted man, distinguished for generosity
and chivalrous, disinterested attachment to
his friends, more especially to Bassanio.
Gratiano is great wit, overlooking with
mrth and animal spirits. Lorenzo is clever
enough to inspire an interest in Shy locks
daughter. Bassanio, the successful suitor
of Portia, is an honorable, high-minded gen.
tleman. Shylock is one of Shakespeare's
masterpieces, the nearest perfection of its
kind to be found in allliteraturs. Compare
1t with Marlowe's slew of Malta" and you
will discover the difference between talent
and genius, between clear-cut, consistent
character, duly modulated. and brilliant
caricatlre.
But it is Portia who surpasses all the rest,
and stands out lie statue of Phidias, en-
dowed with the life and beauty, and adorn-
ed by every virtue and accomplishment. To
speed his friends wooing, Antonio became
his bondsman for large sum, at heavy in
terest, with the strange condition of forfeit
ing pound of flesh nearest his heart, in
case the debt was not duly. paid. Bassani0
proves 0 successful weoer, but his joy is
damped by summons from his friend. The
cause of the summons is the failure of Ant0-
MO, whose ships have been lost at sea, and
who is now at the mercy of the. Jew, who
clamors for the payment OF the bond. The
trial is both going on and going against him.
| the scene to whom the ease is committed.
| The decision is soon rendered in Shylock' s
abate on any consideration, and especially
| dees he demand 'tbe pound of flesh which
| is Conceded TO him on the Condition that he
sbed not drop of Antonio's blood. This
brings out the announcement, and the defeat
of Shylock. The decision delights ali but
| the Jew. whose ruling passions. ayarice and
malice. are painted in colors which can never
| fade.
Portals part is perfectly performed, and
| she will ever remain one of the grandest
| the traits which inspire respect and admira-
| ton, with desire to emulate her high quail
| tiles.
AS to Shylock, he is emitted to most care
| ful study The character is both ideal and
| real, and its reality, its truthfulness. Should
| lead to serious reflections. He may repre-